Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces allegations of seeking free personal flight upgrades from former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce. In his new book, The Chairman’s Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out, journalist Joe Aston claims Albanese personally contacted Joyce for upgrades on 22 flights between 2009 and 2019. The accusations have sparked calls for an inquiry into Albanese’s conduct.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Albanese responded to the accusations. While he did not directly address whether he sought upgrades from Joyce, he maintained he followed all rules. “There are no specific accusations being made here,” he stated, emphasizing that he has been “completely transparent” with his disclosures over the years.
Albanese, who served as federal transport minister before becoming prime minister, also criticized Aston, accusing him of “trying to sell a book.” He admitted to having two conversations with Joyce about flights but claimed they did not involve personal upgrades.
Book Claims Direct Communication With Qantas CEO
According to Aston, Qantas insiders report that Albanese frequently spoke to Joyce about personal travel. Of the 22 flights reportedly upgraded, 10 occurred within a single month in 2013. During this time, both Qantas and Virgin offered upgrades for flights paid for by the Australian Labor Party to avoid costs to taxpayers. Albanese defended his actions, saying, “I have acted with integrity and declared in accordance with the rules.”
Australia’s shadow transport minister, Senator Bridget McKenzie, has called for an investigation into the allegations. She questioned Albanese’s relationship with Joyce, stating, “There are serious questions only Mr. Joyce and the Prime Minister can answer.” She shared her own experience with free flight upgrades, noting the difference between receiving a declared gift and allegedly requesting one. “There’s a difference in getting on the phone and saying, ‘Listen, mate, upgrade my economy tickets,’” she remarked during a television interview.
Past Controversies Resurface
Critics are also revisiting the Albanese government’s 2023 decision to deny Qatar Airways additional flights into Australia. Aviation experts previously suggested this move favored Qantas, raising concerns over potential bias given Albanese’s personal ties to Joyce. Opposition leaders now question whether these decisions were influenced by Albanese’s history with Qantas.
Former CEO Joyce Under Fire
Alan Joyce, who led Qantas through major events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, left the airline in 2023 amid mounting public frustration. Under his leadership, Qantas faced backlash for high fares, frequent delays, and cancellations. The airline also laid off 1,700 ground staff during the pandemic, a decision later ruled illegal by Australia’s high court.
As the opposition pushes for an inquiry, Albanese remains under scrutiny for his alleged preferential treatment by Qantas. The controversy highlights longstanding concerns over transparency in political relationships with major corporations.
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